College admissions has become substantially more complex since many institutions have implemented “test-optional” policies. ACT’s new State & Federal Policy issue brief, “How Standardized Tests Make College Admissions Fairer,” sheds light on the important role standardized tests play in supporting fair and equitable admission policies.

The brief explains how standardized tests, like the ACT test, offer an objective measure of academic readiness that ensures students, regardless of their background, have a fair chance to show what they have learned and are ready for after high school.

Drawing on research from Opportunity Insights, a team of researchers and policy analysts based at Harvard University, the brief also shows how test scores can often be stronger predictors of college success than high school GPA alone, as shown in the figure below. By including test scores as part of a holistic admission approach, colleges gain a fuller picture of each student’s readiness and ability to thrive in a rigorous environment.

Predictive Reliability